PHILADELPHIA – Before you invest in a pricey home security system this summer, experts say the best protection may already be within reach. According to consumer advocates, most burglars aren’t using elaborate tactics — they’re simply walking through unlocked doors and open windows.
Kevin Brasler, executive editor at Consumers’ Checkbook, says homeowners shouldn’t assume they need an expensive security system to stay safe.
“The fact is, most burglars, they get into homes simply by walking in through an unlocked door or raising an unlocked window,” Brasler said.
What burglars are actually looking for
Brasler says most burglars are looking for an easy target — not a challenge. That means an unlocked door or an open window is often all the invitation they need. While there is some evidence that visible alarm systems and sirens may deter certain burglars, Brasler says the way criminals break into homes remains largely the same regardless.
“There’s some kind of anecdotal evidence that burglars might tend to avoid homes where it’s clear there’s a burglar alarm and a siren may go off,” he said. “But in the end, the way they break into homes is pretty similar.”
How much do home security systems actually cost?
Doorbell cameras and DIY devices are more popular than ever — and according to Consumers’ Checkbook, they’re far cheaper than many traditional alarm systems.
Professionally installed systems can run anywhere from $750 to $3,000, and that’s before factoring in monitoring costs, which can reach $1,500 or more per year. A basic DIY system, however, can be assembled for as little as a few hundred dollars.
Even major brands are adapting. ADT now offers a do-it-yourself kit called ADT Blue, which requires no contract and no professional monitoring costs.
“I think often that may be the better way to go in terms of saving a lot of money,” Brasler said.
The cheapest security habit is also the best one
Brasler’s top advice costs nothing: lock your doors, lock your windows, and make sure your home looks occupied — even when you’re away.